Germany Signs Deal with Israel for Arrow 3 Defense System

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Arrow 3 is the top layer of Israel’s air defense net, and it recently made its first operational interception. Israel’s Ministry of Defense has recently finalized an agreement to sell the Arrow 3 air defense system to Germany, which is scheduled for delivery in 2025.

“This milestone, marked by the final signing conducted by German and Israeli officials, concludes the acquisition process that commenced with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s visit to Germany in September 2023,” reads the statement by the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

Arrow 3 is the highest layer of Israel’s multi-tiered air defense array (above the Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems) and is designed to confront exo-atmospheric threats like ballistic missiles. The Arrow 3 performed its first-ever operational interception amid the conflict in Gaza earlier this month.

Germany had reportedly agreed to set aside early funding for the system, which would enable IAI to bring production for a relatively quick delivery date of the end of 2025. Despite the current war, the timing of the final agreement has continued on the intended schedule. The Ministry noted that it is committed to bolstering strategic cooperation with partners around the world, even as it continues to build up IDF forces for the continued conflict in Gaza.

As part of the current war, around 2,000 interceptions have been carried out by the three elements of the multi-tiered air defense system according to the IDF, while some US warships in the Red Sea have also intercepted threats from Yemen.

The reason the system is desired by European countries is the increasing threats to Europe in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which led to skyrocketing interest in advanced weapons systems and including air defenses.

This information is provided by Breaking Defense.